Feeding device



Feb. 26, 1946. I R. E. J. NORDQUIST .9 3

' I FEEDING DEVICE Filed Nov. 26, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 l1 TTOENEYS Feb. 26, 1946. R. E. J. NORDQUIST 2,395,497

FEEDING DEVICE Filed Nov. 26, 1943 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 fig 2 glwyrolz; I ZAM J A rroe/wsxs Feb. 26, 1946. R. E. J. NORDQUIST 2,395,497

FEEDING DEVICE Filed NOV. 26, 1945 a Shets-Sheet 3 INV TOR.

,MM/y? Feb. 26, 1946. R. E. J. NORDQU{$T 2,395,497

FEEDING DEVICE Filed Nov. 26, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 y -'"lllllllilllllll IV 6|HIIIIIIIIWIIW R Q Feb. 26, 1946. R. E. J. NORDQUlST 9 FEEDING DEVICE Filed Nov. 26, 1943 8 Sheets-Sheet 5- IN V EN TOR.

Feb. 26, 1946. R. E. J. NORDQUIST FEEDING DEVICE Filed Nov. 26, 1

Sheets-Sheet 6 l?! liZ /Z If an}, I n

. lo 7. 4 J 7 INVENTOR. 1 X 5% Feb. 26, 1946. NQRDQLHST 2,395,497

FEEDING DEVICE Filed Nov. 26, 1943 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 i ii I! max? 1946. R. E. J. NORDQUIST- 2,395,497

FEEDING DEVICE Filed Nov. 26, 1943 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 74 ATTOENEYS Patented Feb. 26, 1946 UNITED STATES 2,395,497 FEEDING DEVICE Ronald E. J. flordquist, Maplewood, N. J., as-

signor to American Can Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application November 26, 1943, SerialNo. 511,816

16 Claims.

This invention relates to feeding devices for flat sheets or blanks from which container parts are made and hasparticular reference to a feeding device whichmay be operated at exceedingly high speeds limited only by the handling capacity of the machine to which the feeding device is attached.

I In the feeding of sheets or blanks and-the like through can or container making machines, the blanks usually are separated individually from a supply magazine and then are engaged by feed fingers or dogs disposed in reciprocating feed elements or other feeding or advancing devices. When these feed dogs strike against stationary blanks to set them in motion for advancement, the inertia of the blank first must be overcome, which action at high speeds usually nicks the feeding edge of the blank, frequently causing trouble when the blank is undergoing operations in a subsequent can making machine.

The instant invention contemplates overcoming these difiicu'lties by providing a high speed feeding device which separates one blank at a time from a stack of such blanks while setting each separated blank in motion without nicking it and which shifts the separated blank to a position where it may be picked up while it is moving at high speed for further advancement along a path of travel. 1

An object of the invention is the provision of blank or sheet feeding devices wherein the lowermost blanks in a stack of blanks in a-supply magazine are separated individually and set in motion along a predetermined path of travel without nicking the edges of the blanks so that they may be picked up while moving at high speed to control their movement and to continue their advancement.

Another object is the provision of a feeding device of this character wherein the weight of a stack of such blanks in a supply magazine is concentrated at the middle of the lowermost blank so that the lowermost blank can be separated readily without undue scratching of the blanks while moving one blank relative to the other'.

A further object is the provision of such a blank feeding device having a suction cup movable along a curved path of travel and mounted in such a manner that it also has movement relative to the curved path of travel and at variable speeds resulting, at the moment of removal of the separated blank from a magazine, in a composite movement in a straight line path of travel, the better to facilitatethe blank removal.

Another object is the provision of a feeding device having a plurality of suction cups ,and a 4 plurality of squaring-up fingers which are coordinated in operation for engaging individual moving blanks to shift them from the magazine and to advance the blanks along a predeterminedtel. 271-29) path of travel for placing them in a desired position. V

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentas it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof. 1

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal side elevation of a feeding device embodying the present invention withparts broken away, the view also showing a wiring diagram of the electric apparatus used with the device;

Fig. 2 is anend elevation of the feeding device illustrated in Fig. 1, showing the device as being viewed from the righto'f that figure, with parts in-section;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of that portion of the device shown at the right in Fig. 1, with parts broken away;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the machine and illustratinga suction cup and a squaring-up finger together with link parts for operating the same, with parts broken away and parts omitted; J i 4 Figs. ,5 and '6 are longitudinal sections taken substantially along the vertical lines 5,5 and 6-6in'Fig. 2, ,withfparts broken away;

.Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the broken line 'l-| in Fig. 6;

Fig.8 is a fragmentary detail as viewed substantially along the line 8-8 in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along the line 9--9 in Fig. l, with parts broken away;

Fig. 10 is a. transverse sectional view taken 7 along the broken lines Ill-I0 in Fig. 6, with parts broken away;

;,Fig. 11 is aplan view of a blank magazine in the device as viewed at the left of Fig. 1, with parts broken away, the view beingrotated through an angle of ninety degrees; i

Fig. 12 is a detail showing a blank separator 45, finger and controlsolenoid, illustrated at the left in Fig. 1, with parts broken away and parts in section;

Fig. 13 is, a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line l3l3 in Fig. 11;

1 Figs. 14 and 15 are fragmentary sectional views of the blank magazine showing the separation ofthe lowermost blank and the start of sucha blankon its initial straight line movement;

Figs. 16 and 17, are fragmentary sectional views 55 showingthe delivery of, ablank by a suction cup and a squaring-up fingerand showing the release of such a blank after being transferred; .and

Fig. 18 is afragmentary sectional view taken substantially along theline |8- l8 in Fig.1. As a preferredembodiment of the present in- "arm 39 (Figs. and 6).

vention the drawings illustrate a high speed feeding device wherein rectangular sheets or blanks A (Figs. 11' and. 1&1); having. substantially uniform thickness arefed fro'ina stack of *suchblanksi located in supply magazine B. Such a magazine preferably is disposed in an angular position at; the feed-in end of the device (see also Eigs..5. and 6).

The magazine B comprisesa pluralityof-corner; guide posts 3|, located onea'atr. each. of: the: four corners of the blanks A (Fig. 11). These-guide posts are secured by angle irons. 32 (see. also Fig... 18) to a support plate 33 so that they extend up vertically with respect to the plate for'holidingg the. stackotblanksinthemagazine at an angle. The plate'33 is mounted onside frames 34'" which are formed integral witha base 35.

The. blanks while inthe'magazinere'st; on a longitudinal. Support" bar 331 located: at the middle of. the blanks. and on; {reciprocating separator finger. 31, disposed within a. clearance groove formed" in the bar. The blanks at both ends are unsupported (Fig. 1.8.)... The weight ofthe; stack of blanks. thus isconcentrated' on a small" central area. of, they lowermost blank in the magazine. This-reduce thetenden'cy of. the blanks to scratch each other when .moving one. blank across another 'as during their separation.

The lowermost. blank. A. in. the, stack is separated from the. supply magazine, by moving it rator finger moves in a planesubstantially parallel tothe bottom of themagazine. I

The separator finger. 3T iscarriedj onapivot pin 38,secured in; the lower end; ofja depending rocker The armismounted on a rocker shaft 42.. car-.riedin. bearings. 43,442 (see also Fig. 11). of{ brackets 45;.45. mounted. onthe plate 33 andtheframe 34;. Qne'endofithe. finger 31; is forkedx to. accommodate a. roller "which operates along. the. surface of a. feed. controlislide 48, theQoperation. of. whichwillibegmore fully described hereinafter. Such afslid'e. is. movable in a. slideway. 52 of. a. p des'tali'53f an'd'i is retained thereinby giba 54; The. pedestalfiamounted on the base 35. I

, Theroller 4.1 is. held against the slide 48 by a spring operated plunger; 55.. carried... in the rocker arm 39. This keeps the forward end ofthe'; separator finger 3.1. in.a:;normai. operating position- The finger preferablyis. cutaway at itsfbrward edge. to; form astep-56. equal to, or. slightly. less than the thickness offablank... This. step slides I beneath andengages} againstthe rear edgeofithe lowermost blank. on" a' forward. or; feeding. stroke.- orthe finger and 'initiallystartsthe blank moving.

In order to prevent more thana single. blank from being separatedby therapid action or? the separator finger 3]. themagaz'ine. is'prollidiid with a-gauginginstrumentality or. member 62 which is. located; at the iorwardupp r end. of; the magazine (Figs. 5, 1,0 and118).f SuchaQ augingQinstrumentality-is adjustable on1 a) cr.oss. bar 63 secured to they two. forwardguid'a posts. 3 I The lower end of the i gauging instrumentality is: formedwith a.

gauge edgessiwhich. islpositionedllielative to the support? barf 3.6.. a. distance slightly greater than the.- thickness." or anew-stir. 1 Thisfpermits. the

" passage; of only the. separatediblank, when it is advanced by; the separator- "finger; y p

This initial forward movement "of each blank support bar 36 (see also Figs. 5 and 10).

A being advanced by the separator ringer 31 carries the blank to the position illustrated in Fig. 14'. The blankwhile. still movingeis, engaged at this locatiombr'a pair; of transversely spaced suction cups 65 disposed one on each side of the blank Thus the two cups engage a blank at two places near its ends. There are four sets of the suction cups,

arranged at spaced intervals around a central akisrandthereiore these cups travel in two spaced and? parallel. circular paths of travel. The suction cups. of each pair operate in unisonto grip a blanksimult'aneously and are controlled in a radial: path to cause deviation from their circular path while still moving therearound. This is done to engage successive moving blanks and to draw each one down into a double bowed condition priorto' advancing-them along a straight line path of travel as arr incident toremoving them from the magazine;

The -suction cups 65 areof the conventional type, being made of rubber or other similar mament' of the; suction cups is controlled by cam action. For this purpose the bell crank lever 66 and the link 68' of each suction cup carries cam into the *bowedcondfition hereinbefore mentioned andfbestillustrated in Figs; 10 and 15. This is posts 31"..

te'rial. Eachsuction cup is secured to abell crank lever-fiii which -is. car'ried on a'pivot pin- 61- in a link68, the-lever and the link constituting-a pair of jointed connectors. This link" is connected by a -"pivot-"pin 1 2K to spaced lugs or arms 13 of a rotatable spider 'rnember' 14 (Figs. 5 and 9)". There-are two=such= spider members located side bysid'e in spaced relation. Each spidermember carries four" suction cups and they are aligned so that each cup on one member is in transverse registry with-its matingcupon the other member to constit'ute thepairs or-setsof-cups; The spider members are mountedon amain drive*shaft I5 journal'ediin bearings"16* inthe frames. The shaft limay bedriven in'any'suitable manner:

Thespider members 14 and therotating main shaft I5: controlsthe angular velocity of thelinks and also the suctioncups The radial moverollers 18, 82 which operate in respective cam grooves 83 ,.84- (see also' Fig. 5-) formed in a sta- There'aretwo 'cams*85 located" one on each sideof" the machine and each cam issecured to the sideframes34; The motionresulting from'the shaft rotation and{ cam control 'is one which carrieseach pair of-suction cups positively along a straightline'path of travel at-variousangularvelb-citiesandpositions through part of their cycle and through a'circul'ar' path of travel for the remainder of the cycle.

Asia pair-of suction cups 655 engages the lowermost blank A'. in the magazine B (Fig; 14)", a

vacuum is drawni'in'. each of the-suctioncups through; avalvemechani'sm C (Figs: 6, 7; 8 and 9). 'I'l'ie suctioncups the drop back slightly from" their circular path to draw down-the blank done'toin'se'rt a pair of squaring up fingerstbbetween the-"lowermost separated blankand the stack or blanks in the, magazine; The inserted support bar 33 and at'its: opposite" ends on ledges 8.9 formed-at: the lower: ends of the front guide The valve mechanism functions" continually du'ring -the operation of-ithe feeding device and insures'theproper vacuumiat each paiirofsu'ction as needed. "I'husvacuum iseife'ct-i've atthe assent? cups when they engage, hold and move the blank during part of their cycle. The vacuum is controlled by way of a valve which is operated by the rotation of the rotatable spider members I4.

Flexible hose or pipes 92 (Fig. connect the suction cups 65 with ports 93 in the hubs of the spider members (Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 9). There is one port 93 for each suction cup. As the two spider members rotate the two ports associated with the two suction cups moving up and engaging the blank register with a passageway 94 which extends through a stationary cam 95. This is a double cam located between the inner faces of the two spider members at the center of the machine. The cam rests upon and is bolted to the base 35. The drive shaft 15 extends through the cam.

An arcuate channel 96 is cut in each face of the cam 95 (Fig. 8) these two channels being of the same length and relative position. They determine the period of time that the vacuum supply is eifective on the pair of suction cups for as long as the two ports 93 are in communication with the channels the vacuum is in effect.

The passage 94 communicates with a bore 9'! (Figs. 6, '7, 8 and. 9) which extends back through the cam 95 to the feed-in end of the device (as viewed to the left in Fig. 6). A flexible hose or pipe 98 is connected into the outer end of the bore 91, the other end of the pipe leading to a vacuum supply shut-off valve D. The operation of this valve D will be described hereinafter.

' During the blank engaging action of the suction cups 65 and the drawing down of the blank (Figs. 10 and a pair of the squaring-up fingers 88 previously briefly mentioned move rapidly into position in coordination with each pair of suction cups to engage against an edge of the lowermost zine B along a straight line path of travel in a speedy and smooth manner. I i I The blank continues moving upwardly? along the straight line path in the inclined plane until it approaches the upper level or horizontal plane of the device (Figs. 1, 5 and 6). At this position they are diverted into a'curved or arcuate path of travel for delivery onto the horizontal plane. It is'this delivery that places the blank into proper posi- ,blank. These fingers square up each blank and hold the blank in proper position against lateral displacement while they are moving with the suction cups as shown in Fig. 6.

The squaring-up fingers 88, like the suction cups 65, also are carried on the spider members I4. Each feed finger 88 is formed at the end of a lever' I02 (Figs. 4 and 6) which is carried on a pivot pin I03 in a bell crank lever I04 (see also Figs. 6 and 9) each of these pairs of levers constituting jointed connectors. Each of the levers I04 is mounted on a pivot pin I05 carried in spaced lugs on arms I 06 of the spider members.

The levers I02 and the bell crank levers I04 carry respectively cam rollers I01 and I08 which operate in cam grooves II 4, H5 formed in the opposite faces of the stationary cam 95. The

levers I02 andthe levers I 04, like the levers 66 and the links 68 for the suction cups, eifect radial movement and angular velocity and position of the squaring-up feed fingers. In fact, synchronized movements are obtained on both the squaring-up fingers and the suction cups through this blank separating part of their circular path of travel. 7, V

The synchronized or coordinate action of the suction cups and squaring-up fingers beginsjust after the suction cups drop back, at the time the lowermost blank in the magazine is engaged by both the suction cups and the squaring-up fingers (Fig. 6). At'this time the moving blank A, ad-

tion for transfer onto otherconveying means which brings it into the work station of a machine. In the present embodiment it is desirable to transfer the moving blanks onto a, reciprocating I feed mechanism E (Figs. 1,3 and 9) without stopping the blanks. 'Such a feed includes a pair of spaced and parallel reciprocable feed bars II 6 which slide in longitudinal grooves I I1 formed in a fiat top table section IIO (Figs. 5 and 19) of the stationary cam 95. These feed bars carry a plurality of spaced depressible feed dogs I I8 which engage behind the blanks following their delivery onto the'feed E. 1 To eifect the delivery of blank A onto the reciprocating feed mechanism E, the blank must be released by the suction cups onlyafter they are in proper position on the feed. Fig. 16 illustrates v such a position with a blank:A in place on the feed bars I I 6 and with the suction cup 65 and squaring up fingers 88 still holding the blanks. As this position is reached the vacuum supplyt the suction cups is shut ofi, the channels 96 in the cam 95 (Figs. 8 and 9) having just passed beyond the ports 93 in the spider members I4. However, the suction line has'not yet been opened to atmosphere so the suction cup continues to hold the blank. l i I i The operation of feeding continues and the parts just described next move to a position illustrated in Fig. 17. Here the blank remains fully seated on the feed bars II6, the suction cups 65 having released their hold on the blank as the vacuum line now is broken. In fact, in this position the suction cups are slightly removed from the blank. This was accomplished by suitable radial action of the levers 66, the links 68, and the came 85.

Thi breaking of the vacuum in the suction cup line is brought about whenthe two ports 93.in the spider members 14, which connect. with the two suction cups now being considered, move into registration with atmosphere channels I122 (Fig.

8) formedin the opposite. faces of the stationary that of Fig. 17, the squaring up fingers '88.also

move out of the Way'of the blank in an 'upwarddirection. This frees the rear edge of the blank from the fingers. Movement of the links I02 and levers I04 under actuation-of the cam 95 produce this result. The moving blank, as it'is being transferred onto the reciprocating feed bars I I6 7 of the feed E and following such a time, does not vancing along a substantially straight line path of travel and on an inclined plane, is continued along such a path by the combined actions of the links and levers previously described. This is at the time these parts-are being propelled by the spider .r-members and-being actuated by the cams. This... effects the removal of the blank from theno'aga pause but continues advancing while the-feed bars then on their forward stroke move at the same speed as the blank. 1 I

The feed bar movement is to the right,- as viewed in Figs. 1, 5, 6, 16 and 17. the feed dogs I'IB on the bars engaging the rear edge of the blankand smoothly picking it up without nick-in'g the edge to continue feeding-it forward. Since theblank bars I I 6 its outer ends passonenandiare supported tosai tableapl'atei I18; which, extends; longitudinally of; the: device-there being; twozrails and twofiplatess oneizeact'r onzeach; side. I The table; plate I25. are

seemed; to; the. side: 314: at l the rear and: to brackets I zlarho'ltedztottheseaframes; (Figs; 231C112): amthe'front;

feedx barss H6; Lame: reciprocated: in. unison tonwardi or: teedingl strokeand, thence thrm1'gh...as return strokeby; an upright actuating levels leverrisgmountedsat. itsa lowersend meanness: shaft; L375 jburnaled im'bea-rings;= I133 formed imthe'side .frameszflz. (Figs: 1,2, 3 and,6.).-. lllie unpersend .ofithe: lever, li2-8 is. connectedahy a I34: tcrgaa cross-head; liafistewhichaisz secured the'feed bars. I 15., The. cross-head. tiesthe. feed figs t gether: and; extends: down-between the feed St 7 i-r'llhesactuatinga leveri Izlais; rocked. in time with other moving parts of the device.:by ail-lever: P36 secuizedtozamendaof the.=cross:shaft I32. Lever liliaisceonnected; toionetend of; an. eccentricarm m "Thetother-end otjthezeccentricarnnisformed with m eccentric strap: [3.8; which surrounds an eccentric: memberr I42" mounted. on: a transverse shait; Maj oumaledsirr hearings; I44: formed .inthe side frames 34; adjacent the: feed-in end-10f the device...

The end: ofrtheshaft I143 opposite the: eccentric rm extends: beyond the. otherlzsid'e. of: the frame and carries a. .rpinion. I45; which'jmeshes with and is-driven:bycan w idlergear' L45, (Figs. 1. and 11) This; idler geazr isrcarriedzoma stud lJI'l-whichtis secured to the outer side of a side frame 34. The idl'er Jgear' fl'fiflmeshesnwith; and; is driven by a drive'igears M Biwhich: iskeyedi to; the: main: drive I shaft Tioftheldevice.

? the return stroke: of? thexfeedtbars; I I6, follbwing each; feeding stroke, the blanks are; held agai'nst return: movement. by depressible= holdstationary -ho1d back bars: l53i(Figs; 2, 3.-.and; 9)

disposed adiacent to and: parallel with-.the. feed hare: The hOldi-backJbarsZiarersecured ina longitudinal grooves 154;: I 55iormed1respectively in: the i tableirplates tzfiaandiin; theibra'ckets I. 2:'|-.

floi'd -dbwmbars I 56 extend along and over; the

-"feed EZlF-igs: 11:3; 6?. andt'9li andi are provided for lteepi'ng the moving blanks mom the: feed; bars I I6 as theyadvancea "These-sbars, oi which therezare i two; are secured' at: onesendttozbrackets I-5lbolted toi-each of theita'blel plates-:1 I 26.. 'Ilheioppositerends oe the bars: lfiiimayhez supported;1 as desired.- on e -an adjacent machineon-inany:suitable;manner..

' will bev recalled connection with the: preceding? description. of separating a: blank lfromzthe :I Plmilisiomi's madeinnthavinstante device to; stop needing; of iblanks; All from-the magazine, and render: the: suctionzcups Bit-inoperative, withwI? out; SirDI-lfliflfifthfirififihfifa the: device. -Eor this; is

1 away'from' the slide rod' and thereby permits-the spring: held stemi I'IT to rise-under the action-"of new: iszinea horizontazlvpositiomontop; ofithe feed.

purpose- .ane. electric; solenoids is} providedtwhieh, may be actuatedwhen adyerselconditionsedeyelop. at; some remote asziman adjacent, machine when: it. becomesadvantageous: to stop:v further feeding oithe: blanks-. Exemplaryof suchcconditions thegsolenoidis shown herein; ass-being: con.- nected. into: a normally closed electriccircuit the solenoid: being located near thev feed-in end of theepresentieeding, device; (Figsnlu 5,.48 and. 11.). Solenoid? accordingly isacarriedk in a. bracket I-6B bolted toitheped'e'staljl I The: solenoids carries an angular or wedgeshapedv element. I 61.1 at, the, lower endv of. a solenoidccore. I68.v This core, issheld magnetically in an upward. on. raised position (Eig.. 6). whenthe solenoid isenergized; as, during normal. operations of thezfeeding wd'evicen 'Whemthesolenoid. isd'eenergized as when adverse conditions;..requlre feedingalteration the. corel 68s with the element I51 drops, down, and. the wedge, element enga es againsta, rear angular 7. surface In ofv the. feed control. slide 48. action moves,- the Slidffbl'; ward and, upward onv the inclined, plane andi theslideway. 52 againstthe. resistance ofa sprin I13, housed in a, recess of. the pedestal'53. The springisrinterposedbetween a wall of the pedestal anda'depending stop, lug-,of the slide.

Movement of the slide 4? whenl the solenoid is..deenergi2ed,,camsthe roller 41. carried on the separator. finger, 31f up onto an inclined, cam surface' I'M- of the. slide. fIhislaction rocks theses- .arator finger 3T against the springtpressed plunger 55; and thus lowersthe stepped. feed. end; 56.01 the separator finger to a position, below the; plane: of the lower-most blank'A in the magazine. Thereforeseparation. of a blank, from the stackidoes not take; place.

Movement of the feed control slide: 48" when the solenoidlis' deenergizedalso cuts off the source oi vacuumfrom the, suction cups and thereby prevents the removalofthe blanks from the magazine. This is brought about by closing: the valve'D". Under normal operating" conditionsthe valveis' held open by a spring; held stem H1 (Fig. 6) which is heldidepressed by a rockert'shoe I18 mounted; on a pivot pin" secured; in lugs- I82 on thetop oi the valve casing The shoeis' normally heItLinoperative position 'by"aisliderod :IBB which operates'in whore I84 in the pedes tal53:

Q'neend. ofthe rod" engagesagainst the shoe while its opposite end; abuts against the stop lug of the feed control, slide. Hence" when the. slide shiftsto rock the separato1t-finger 31=outof the plane of the blanksin-th magazine, it also-moves its spring: It is this action that closes thevalveD. Normal operations of the device' are resumed again followingthe. reener'gizing of the solenoid I F; This draws' thesolenoid core I568 an'd fthe wedge element IGF upwardly; permittingtheieed control slide 48 to move back to its original operative position by'action of the-spring- I13. This also" permits rocking-of the separator finger- 31 back into its normal separating position inthe plane of the lowermost blank in the sta'ckunder the action of" springpressed plunger 55 (Fig: 6D.

The movement of the slide 48- also pushes 'the slid'epin I 83 against-therocker shoe I I8 and'thus depresses-the valve-stem l l'li This-'opens the vacuum supply-valve-Dand restores the vacuum to the suction cups65 J..Thesolenoid is hereshown ashein'g; az part of", an electric: circuit (Figs ly' which includes a I81 in its turn is connected by a wire I88 to the other side of the solenoid F and this completes the electric circuit and holds the solenoid energized when all switches are closed.

This switch is exemplary of one or more control switches which may be manually opened or may be automatically opened by a movable part at the desired work station as in an adjacent machine. Thus when abnormal conditions arise as where a jam occurs or where further feeding of blanks is not desired for any reason, the solenoid circuit is opened at the switch I81.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

I claim:

1. In a feeding device for container blanks, the combination of a rotatable member, a suction cup carried on said member for engaging a surface of a blank and for advancing the blank along a path of travel, a finger carried on said rotatable member in the rear of said suction cup for thereafter engaging the rear edge of said blank for holding the latter in position on said suction cup, and means for coordinating the operation of said suction cup and said finger to respectively and successively engage longitudinally spaced portions of the blank to advance the latter along said path of travel.

2. In a feeding device for container blanks, the combination of a magazine for holding a supply of blanks, a separator finger disposed adjacent said magazine and reciprocable in the direction of travel of the blanks for initially engaging the rear edge of a blank to set in motion the lowermost blank in the magazine and separate the blank from the remaining blanks in said magazine, a rotating member disposed adjacent said magazine, and a suction cup carried on said member for engaging said moving blank to remove the same from the remaining blanks while said moving blank is continued in advancement by i said separator finger.

3. In a feeding device for container blanks, the combination of a magazine for holding a supply of blanks; a separator finger disposed adjacent her for engaging said moving blankand for withdrawing the same laterally from the magazine while the moving blank is being advanced by said separator finger without interrupting movement I magazine, and a suction cup carried on said memof the blank along a predetermined path of travel.

spaced thereon, a said suction cup of one member being aligned transversely with a corresponding cup on the other member to provide cooperation in pairs for picking up a blank adjacent its forward end and for engaging and advancing it continuously along a path of travel, a finger also carried on each of said members to provide cooperating pairs of fingers for simultaneously engaging the rear edge of a picked-up blank to hold it in position on the associated pair of suction cups while the cups advance the blank along its path of travel, and means for coordinating the operations of said suction cups and said fingers.

,5. In a feeding device for container blanks, the combination of a rotatable member, a suction cup carried on said member for picking up a blank adjacent its leading edge while moving in a plane adjacent said member, a squaring up finger carried on said rotatable member and engageable with the rear edge of said picked-up blank for aligning and holding it in position on said suction cup, and means for coordinating the operations of said suction cup and said finger for continuing the movement of said container blank.

6. In a feeding device for container blanks, the combination of a magazine for holding a supply of blanks, a separator finger movable adjacent said magazine for initially setting'in motion the lowermost blank in said magazine, a rotating member located adjacent said magazine, a suction cup carried on said member for engaging said moving blank while the latter is being advanced by said separator finger, and for removing it from said supply of blanks in the magazine, and a finger carried on the rotating member and engaging the rear edge of the blank when it is moving with said suction cup to hold the moving blank in the engaged position on said suction cup while the blank continues its travel.

7. In a feeding device for container blanks, the combination of a magazine for holding a supply of container blanks, a support bar located in said magazine for supporting the said supply of blanks along a narrow area at the middle of the lowermost blank to prevent scratching of the blanks during removal from the magazine, a separator finger movable within the support bar for initially setting in motion the said lowermost blank to slide it along said support bar, a rotating member located adjacent the said magazine, and a pair of suction cups carried on said member and located one on each side of said support bar for engaging the moving blank and for removing it from said magazine.

8. In a feeding device for container blanks, the combination of a magazine for holding a supply of blanks, a separator finger movable adjacent said magazine for initially engaging the rear edge of and setting in motion the lowermost blank in the magazine, actuating means for operating said separator finger a plurality of rotating members located adjacent said magazine and operated in unison, a suction cup carried on each of said members, said cups being arranged to operate in unison for engaging and picking up the moving blank adjacent its forward end and for removing it from said supply of blanks in said magazine, and a squaring-up finger; also carried on each of said rotating members, said fingers being operated in unison and coordinating with said suction cups to engage the rear edge of the picked-up moving blank for holding it in a squared position on said suction cups while the cups advance it along a predetermined path of travel.

\9. .In;a..feeding .deviceior container blanks; 'the combination of a magazine ior holding a supply of .blanks, .a separator :finger movable adjacent xsaidmagazine for engaging the rear edge of and initially settingin motion .the lowermost blank tin-the magazine, actuating...means for operating saidfseparator finger, aplurality of rotating memberslocated adjacent saidmagazine andoperated in -.unison, 1a, pluralityiof suction .cups r0311- riedloneach :of said members, -the .cupslof each member being spaced and arranged in a circle, corresponding cups of said m'embersbeing'aligned transversely .in cooperating sets for picking. up

successivelyseparatedablanks from the magazine while the blanks I are-in ,motion and for: removing themzfrom thermagazine, and a pluralityzof squaringeupefingersgalso carried on each ,of 5 said members with one finger-adjacent each suction cup, eachset of lingers successively engaging. therear edges {of-the picked-up blanks -to--hold them vin squared positions ,on each set .of suction cups while .the acups advance the blanks alonga ,pre- :determinedpathaof travel.

10. In --a feeding device .for container blanks, =the-combination of amagazine for holding a supply-of blanks, .a rotatingmember located .adjacent-said magazine, ajointed connector element secured to said membena plurality of suction ,cups :mounted in circumferentially spaced rela- =tion on said connector element and movable through axcircular path of travel with the rota- :tion of ,said member, and cam means disposed adjacent *saidrotating member for effecting iradial movementof said connector element at vary- -ing:;angular velocities to bring said-cup into enigagement with the lowermost blank-in the mag- :azine and foriremoving said blank irom the-magazine along aistraight line path of travel.

11; In a feeding device for container vblanks, the :combination of a magazine for holding a supply-ofblanks; a rotating member located ad- Jjacentsaid magazine, a plurality of connectors ipivotally secured to-said membena suction :cup

:and a finger carried respectively on adjacent aconnectors in spaced relation witheach other and movable through .a circular path of travel, and means disposed :adjacent the rotating member -:'for:effecting radial movement of-said cup and finger .at varyingiangular velocities to bringlsaid ssuction acup and .said :fingerrespectively into .engagement with -.opposite ends of @the -.lowermost lblankiin ith'ezmagazine ,to remove the blank from the magazine and advance the blank .along a straight ;line path of travel.

T12. :In a feeding device .for container'blanks, 'ithezcombination ofeaimagazine for holding a supiplytof blanks, a rotating member located adjacen'tsai'd magazine, a pair 'of'links pivotally coninected tosaid rotating member, a pair of levers respectivelypivotally connected to "each of said links, a suction cup carried on one of .said levers,

ia-squa-ring-up finger carried on theother of said levers,-saidcup and finger being movable through =cir.cular;paths of travel with the rotationofsaid member, and stationary cams adjacent the ,rotating member for efiecting coordinated radial movement of saidsuction cup and said 'finger for bringingthem into substantiallysimultaneous en- ;gagement with-opposite ends of "the lowermost blank inthemagazine and for removing the blank along astraight line path of ,travel' .1'3'. In: a reading device for container blanks; ithe combination'fof amagazine for holding 'a'm pj- ,p'lyflofblanks with "the "lowermost blank"-'in"'a ,predeterniined'plane, aconveyorlo'catedadjacent the magazine 'for receivingblanks fromthe'maga zine and forf'advancin'g' them along'aVdifierent plane, :a separator finger movable beneath said magazine for'initially settinginmotion the lowermost blank in saidmagazine tosep'arate it-from the others, '.a -rotating member located adjacent :saidm'aga'zine and said conveyor, aplurality "of connectorspivotally secured tosai'd 'merriber, "a suction cup':carried "on one of said connectors; :a

isqu'ar'ingi up finger carried" on another of said .conne'ctors, said suction cuoandtsquaringnp finger being movable through "a oircularipathfo'f travel with the rotation .01 said member, and

:means disposed adj acent the f rotating 'member' .for efiecting coordinated" radial movements jof said suctionbup 'andsaid finger'for bringin'gtlrem into engagement with the lowermost blank inthe magazine and for removing'the blank al'ong'ithe planeo'f th'e blankand for subsequently "shifting the removed blank into-the plane :of "the 'conveyo for deposit thereon.

14. In a feeding device for container blanks, the combination of a magazine for .holding'tasupply of blanks, a separator finger operable adjacent said magazine and'movable in aplane with the lowermost 'blanklin the saidmagaz'ine 'f'ior initially setting "the blank inlmotion, a "slide located adjacent toandoperableagainst sai'dfing'er,

means for removing the moving blank from'ithe tosaid finger for rocking thesaidlfinger *out of the'pla'ne' of *the' lowermost blank 'to' stoothe feeding o'f blanks;

f1'6. .In' a feeding .device'*"for container"-b1anks, 'thei'combination o'f'a magazine-Tor' holding=a supply 'o'f blanks; a separator finger operableadjacentsaid magazine and movable in a 'plan'ew'ith .the lowermostblank in the "magazine for initially setting the'bla'nk'in motion, a slide looa'ted Bidja'cent to'"'and 'operab'laagainst' said finger; "a rotatin'g' member located "adjacent said magazine, ava'cuum suction cup carried on said-member fol-picking up the moving blank and for removing it"from the magazine,avacuum'supply' valve having communication "with said suction cup for controlling the supply of vacuum to the "suction cup, "and'an electric circuit including a- 'solenoid for moving theslide relative to said finger to shift the finger out of the plan'eof the lowermost blanklin the magazine 'and' for simultaneously closing-said valve to shu'tofi the supplyoI -vacto said'suction cup to stop the "-feeding oi 

